Area students in grades 3 through 12 can submit a written or artistic entry about a black person who has made a significant contribution to American or international history.

Judges will select 28 winning entries, one for each day in Black History Month, which is February. Winners will be featured on television and radio stations locally, and will receive prizes and a certificate at an award ceremony in February. Winning entries will be printed in a souvenir booklet.

For more information, contact Yvonne Abunaw, 894-2005; email: art@dstanya.org; or go to http://www.dstanya.org

'Celebration of Lights' at Troy stroll

TROY — "Celebration of Lights" is the theme for this year's Victorian Stroll window decorating contest sponsored by the Downtown Troy Business Improvement District.

Windows must decorated by Nov. 19, in time for the Troy Turkey Trot and Thanksgiving. Judging will be held Dec. 2; winners will be announced Dec. 5.

Window decorating categories are for best in show, traditional holiday spirit, most whimsical, and honorable mention.

AMSTERDAM — The annual Christmas in November Holiday Home Tour will be held from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Nov. 22, starting at Carondelet Pavilion Auditorium, 380 Guy Park Ave.

Participants can get tickets and tour maps to five homes in the city and the other stops on the way.

The event is sponsored by St. Mary's Healthcare Auxiliary at Amsterdam. It includes basket raffles and vendors.

Tickets are $15 in advance, $20 at the door and $8 for children younger than 12.

The event is sponsored by St. Mary's Healthcare Auxiliary at Amsterdam. For more information, call 841-7136.

Registration under way for Albany run

ALBANY — Runners can register to participate in the 18th annual Albany Last Run 5K at 5 p.m. on Dec. 6 in Washington Park.

The course runs through Capital Holiday Lights in the park and will be followed by a fireworks show. A post-race party for all registered runners will take place in the North Concourse of Empire State Plaza.

Early registration costs $25, $30 after Nov. 14 and $35 on race day if spaces are still available.